Red Threads
Happy Birthday, Mika
Mika woke up when her nose inhaled the sweet scent of something. He blinked his eyes slowly, until it became clearer. His gaze shifted from the ceiling of the room to the nightstand beside his bed. His eyes opened wide when he found a birthday cake there. It made him get out of bed.
His eyes looked at each side of the cake. There was no letter or message there. The chocolate grater that is circular on the outer side of the cake is circular, as if fencing the arrangement of letters that say 'Happy Birthday, Mika'. A wide smile was engraved on his lips, as his head guessed that the cake was made by his mother. Usually, the woman makes cakes on her birthday.
“Mika, are you awake?” The knock on the door and the sound of her papa, made Mika distract from the cake.
“Already, Pa,” replied Mika quickly. He poked vanilla cream on the cake, and put it in his mouth. He immediately ran to the bathroom to get ready.
Not until twenty minutes, Mika was out of the room with a uniform and a backpack on her shoulder. His eyes were fixed on the food on the table. His father seemed busy pacing from the kitchen to the living room, carrying dishes. However, there was one thing that instantly made Mika feel empty. Her mother wasn't there. The living room seemed quiet, even though quite a lot of food was served on the table.
“Papa when is coming? Mama where?” ask Mika. As far as he knows, his father will be home in two days.
“Evennight. Papa's work was completed sooner. Your mother is in the room. You call your mom, yeah. The food is ready.”
Mika nodded excitedly. Then, step towards her mother's room. However, as he stood before the sturdy door of his mother's room, doubt began to envelop his heart. Slowly, he knocked on the door of the room. Inwardly, he hoped that his mother would welcome him from behind that door with a bright face and a warm smile. However, until a few seconds passed, the door remained motionless. Mika decided to peek into the room through the small gap created. The room was dark. Even so, he could still see his mother sitting in front of the dressing table.
“Ngapain you?” yulia's cold voice made Mika flinch. Mika opened the door a little wider, while smiling clumsily. After almost a year, this was the first time he had entered his mother's room.
“The food is ready, Ma. Mama wants to eat at the dinner table or Mika bring to—”
“Not to be so good! I can go to the middle room by myself. Now, you're out!”
Mika gulps. She thought her mother would be a little sweeter to her today. Isn't it usual that his mother would spoil him every time he had a birthday? His feet stepped back, without waiting any longer. He closed the door, slowly.
Mika took a long breath. There was a sudden tightness surrounding his chest. It seems he must realize, if his life is no longer the same.
“How's the birthday cake? You like?” martin asked, as Mika landed her body on the dining chair.
Mika reviewed the smile. Quietly, he hoped his Papa would not notice his forced smile. Then, he nodded slowly. “Papa who made it? Thank you, Pa.”
Martin smiled slightly. Then, it approached Mika and landed a brief kiss on Mika's forehead. “Happy birthday, Dear.”
Mika again forced a smile. She thought her mother made the cake. She thought her mother had accepted her again. He thought his life was a little better. But it turns out he was wrong. The happiness that had originally grown in his chest, instantly vanished. There was disappointment clumping in the corner of his heart. There were tears and sadness that he had to go back and swallow himself.
♥
Space Raga
Happy birthday.
Later in the afternoon, we will meet in the park.
Mika smiled slightly as she read the message. This was the first time he had celebrated his birthday with the boy. No surprises or happy birthday messages in the middle of the night. Raga instead sent him a message when the school bell nearly rang, without seeing him. Fortunately, he knew from the beginning. Raga is not a romantic type.
Mika was about to put her phone in her pocket, when Angita suddenly dropped the body next to her chair. The girl did not greet him. We just put the bag on the table, which is then used as a pillow.
Mika looked at Anggita with raised eyebrows. Confused and clueless over the arrival of the girl in the chair next to her. Why was Angita suddenly beside him? Where Raya?
“Git?” Mika ventured to speak. However, only hiss was answered by Anggita. Finally, Mika chose to go back to shut up, and did not act any further.
“Lo don't want to ask, I why?” there was a resentful tone in Anggita's voice.
“Eh?” Mika surprised. Why does the world suddenly change? The girl was even acting like before they got into a fight in the bathroom that day.
“Ke—why? Lo why?” Mika stutters. Highlight the eyes of Anggita who looked straight at him, making him nervous half to death.
The person who a few seconds ago seemed to be holding back a laugh, is now really laughing. Mika doesn't understand anymore. Actually, what happened to Angita? Didn't they know each other a few days ago? Didn't Anggita look like she hated him that day?
“Lo is funny, you know? I'm kangen with lo.” Without waiting for an answer, Anggita pulls Mika into a hug. It managed to make Mika's body stiffen. The shock he could no longer cover.
“I'm sorry yes, Ka. That day I should not be rude. I even directly accuse you without finding out the truth first,” said Anggita. His voice sounded soft and heavy. A distinctive voice filled with regret.
“What happened?” ask Mika. In his heart, he cursed himself. He who is too stupid to interpret, or Angita who is confusing? Aggita hissed, then released a summary of his hand. His eyes looked annoyed at Mika. “Lo don't understand yet? I'm sorry to you.”
“Not that. Why are you suddenly apologizing?”
Anggita lowered his head deeply. Striking the end of his own shoes. “I should know, if it turns out that you are not the cause of Nagra's death. There are others who deliberately make your trap, to eliminate the traces of him. I heard it from someone today.”
“Who?” Mika could not cover up the confusion on her face.
Angita shook his head. "Gue also does not know, who has been trying to make your trap. But, I just accidentally heard a chat about Nagra when going to class. I'm sorry, Ka. I'm really sorry you've been indiscriminate. I want to do anything, as long as you're sorry. I want to be your maid at school. Even if you tell me to apologize in front of the others, I will also sellanin.”
"Who did you hear that from?" Mika still did not understand, why would someone intend to frame her. During this time, he had never even been involved in a dispute with anyone. So, who?
"Ka, you hear me?" Anggita moves her hands in front of Mika's face. "Ck! Even dreamy."
Mika smiled a little. He moved his hand to pat Anggita's shoulder slowly. “Lo don't need to admit it. I am sorry you. I was also wrong, because I never knew if you had ever dated Nagra. What kind of friend am I?”
At least, there are still four good things he can be grateful for on his birthday; the opportunity to open his eyes, a small celebration of his Papa, the return of Anggita, and a greeting from Raga. For this time, let him think of the last thing as something he can be grateful for.
♥
Angitaaa
Go to the roof now!
Mika read the message, just as the bell went home. Aggita had indeed left the class since an hour before today's learning ended. He was suspicious. Because, seeing Anggita ditching one of the subjects is a very rare thing. Usually the girl would force herself to enter despite the pain, just so as not to be left behind material.
He frowned. The girl's stuff is still in class. So, what does Anggita do on the roof? Mika turned her gaze on the seat of Raya. The girl wasn't there either. Raya asked permission to go to the bathroom ten minutes ago, but has not returned until this moment. Actually, where are they? Because she did not find the answer to her question, Mika finally obeyed Anggita's orders. Doubtfully, he left the class already half empty.
“Happy birthday!” the shout greeted Mika, as she set foot on the concrete floor of the school roof.
He's still quiet. His gaze fell on Anggita, Raya, and Kai who were standing in front of him, while wearing a paper conical hat. There was a simple birthday cake in the box that Kai had brought. A table that Mika used to hide when changing clothes, has changed position to the middle of the roof. And, on it were two small boxes stacked up.
“Happy birthday, Mika.” Suppose you put a conical hat on Mika's head. Then, pull Mika into the middle of the roof. Raya plays a happy birthday song from her phone, then sings along with Anggita and Kai.
“Blow first the candle. Don't forget, make a request.” Kai approaches Mika and puts the cake in her hand, after the song ends.
Mika looked at the guy for a moment, then turned to the cake inside the open box. The cake is not big. It is only 16 centimeters in diameter and is not stratified. There was no decoration on the top surface of the cake other than two candles. Looks very plain and ordinary. However, there is something that makes the cake special. Much more special than the fancy cakes he found in the room today. Maybe, because this time he found the real warmth. Without wounds and lies covered.
A pair of Mika's eyes glazed over. He immediately closed his eyes, before his tears dripped. It was not a wish he had, but a simple question that would never be answered.
“Today is my birthday. Brother Nagra does not want to say something like first again?”
A tear fell on his cheek, after he blew out two candles that were stuck in the cake. There was warmth and a turmoil in his chest. A joy that cannot be expressed in words.
Unknowingly, he rushed over to hug Kai, Anggita, and Raya who were standing in front of him. Hugged the three people very tightly. Thank you for the surprise they gave me. Thank God for everything he has received today. Although this happiness was not as perfect as in his dreams, it was at least quite comparable to the pain he had been receiving.
“Ka, I can't breath.” Kai whispered. His voice was suffocating.
Mika screeched, then immediately released her circle of hands on the boy's neck. Kai who was fifteen centimeters taller than her, forced the guy to duck, so that his arm pressed down on the guy's neck.
“Sorry, Brother. I'm not—”
“Kai aja.” Kai decides Mika's words.
“Ma—maaf, Kai. I was not on purpose.” Mika scratched her head that was not itching. It felt strange to have to call that guy by name alone.
“Oh yes, Ka. He said today, Kai wants to talk to you about something. I'm the same way to get there first ya.” Anggita pointed to the other side of the roof, which was a little distance away from Kai and Mika.
Mika tries to prevent the departure of her two best friends. But they ran away first.
“Mika Arestya.” Kai's voice made Mika seem to bewitched. The girl immediately looked at Kai. And, instantly he was caught in the soft eyes of the guy.
“Gue don't know, it's the right time or not. I know, you're still dating Raga. But, my feelings absolutely cannot be lied to.” Kai paused his sentence for a moment. Mika's gaze, made her voice choked. “Gue didn't tell you to answer now. You can answer whenever you want. But, make sure you give me the answer yes or no.” Kai then laughed a little. “Gue too much talking yes.”
Kai stretched out his hand, locking Mika's fingers in his grasp. Mika was stung. The man's warm grasp made him unable to think. He didn't even know, it was as red as what his face was this time.
“Gue likes the same lo. I love you the same. I can't lie to this feeling anymore. Since the first time we met in the canteen that day, this feeling is getting great.”
“Ta—but, Kai—”
Kai immediately smothered Mika's mouth with his hand. “Gue not finished talking. If for example you can't accept me later, allow me to keep you from far away. Allow me to keep protecting you, because that's my promise. And, I have to keep it. Don't be surprised if one day, I suddenly come just to make a bouquet of mineral water lids, actually loe shoelaces if they come off, or give a tissue every time you cry. At least, that way I can still be near you without making anyone who is your partner hurt.”
“I thought all this time you were just messing around.”
Kai laughed softly. “Gue never messed with my feelings to lo, Ka. Yesterday, I wasn't impressed when I said this. But today and yesterday, I'm serious. You are not trying to understand my words.”
“But, the girl you told me about yesterday?”
“The girl was actually—”
Not yet had Kai finished his sentence, the sound of the door being opened forcibly shocked them. Raga stood in the doorway. There is no angry look. The man's face was pale, like fear.
Mika jerks. Reflexes, he twists his body facing Raga. So, take a few steps back. Seeing such a pale Raga, made Mika instantly nervous and a little scared. He wants to hide behind Kai's back, but Raga is more alert to block his elbow. It was interesting to walk away from the roof, before the other three people came to their senses from the shock.
“Gue won't let you call Mika from me!” raga said to Kai with great emphasis. Just before he closed the door again with a loud slam.
Anggita tries to catch up to Raga and Mika, but Kai holds her back first.
"Don't." That was all that Kai said, without any intention of giving a longer explanation.
